Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has overhauled the Super Rugby champions' out-of-form team to face the Sharks, making nine starting changes from the side beaten by New South Wales Waratahs in round 10.

Six changes for the match in Hamilton on Saturday come in the forward pack, with the front row totally replaced and co-captain Craig Clarke returning at lock after missing the past four games with concussion symptoms. No. 8 Fritz Lee has been replaced by Nick Crosswell after breaking a finger in Sydney, while openside flanker Sam Can is dropped to the bench to be replaced by Tanerau Latimer. Tight-head Prop Michael Kainga makes his first start of the season in place of the benched Ben Tameifuna, while Toby Smith is restored at loose-head in place of Pauliasi Manu. Hooker, Hika Elliot is dropped from the 22, with Samoa veteran Mahonri Schwalger making his second appearance of the season since damaging knee cartilage against the Stormers in round three.

The three backline changes see fullback Gareth Anscombe, centre Tim Nanai-Williams and scrum-half Augustine Pulu returning for Andrew Horrell, Charlie Ngatai and Brendon Leonard respectively. Richard Kahui departed the Waratahs game at half-time with a hamstring injury, but he has recovered to retain his second five-eighth starting spot.

Narrow losses to the Reds and Waratahs have seen the Chiefs drop to second in the New Zealand conference as they prepare for the match which is a repeat of last year's final.